Alex Kneeland and her new eye-opening opportunity

Mount Marty alumna Alex Kneeland (Harris) '17 had two goals in mind as a teenager: become an optometrist and own her own practice. Kneeland earned her doctorate in optometry from the Arizona College for Optometry in 2021 and returned to Yankton to begin her career. She purchased Steckler Eye Care in 2022 and renamed it Meridian Eye Care. 

Kneeland realized her passion for eye care after she had the opportunity to shadow her eye doctor in high school. "I'll never forget when she identified signs of diabetes in a patient who had no symptoms at all, simply through examining their eyes," recounted Kneeland. "That experience left a lasting impression on me. It showed me how much more eye care is than just prescribing glasses." 

Kneeland majored in biology and minored in business at Mount Marty. She said that her undergraduate experience was "the best decision I could have made — for both my academic, athletic and personal growth." Kneeland said that attending Mount Marty gave her the time and support to focus on herself and her future. "The professors genuinely cared about us as individuals, always taking the time to support our goals and ensure we fully understood the material. The support I received at Mount Marty was instrumental in helping me reach my career goals. That's why I try and continue to give back today — whether through serving on the Lancer Club board or supporting the Lancers at their sporting events." The Lancer Club board is a group of members who help raise money for the Lancers' athletic teams, whether that be for scholarships, travel expenses or new equipment. 

Due to Kneeland's passion for athletics, she tries to keep up with the Lancer teams as much as she can, but especially basketball. During her time in college, Kneeland played for the women's basketball team and was honored many times during her athletic career, including being named the 2016 Mount Marty University Female Athlete of the Year and, on two occasions, GPAC Player of the Week. She also received recognition as the 2016 First Team All-GPAC, 2016 First Team NAIA All-American, 2016 NAIA Scholar-Athlete, 2016 Academic All-Conference and an Honorable Mention All-American by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Kneeland was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024. 

Kneeland said her favorite college memory was when the women's basketball team made it to the Final Four. "We were kind of up and down all year regarding playing well and consistently," Kneeland said. "Then we came together, beat the number one team in the country, and from there just kept on. I would say it was truly an underdog story. The crowds that came to support us were huge. It was just so special to be a part of." 

When Kneeland was considering where to practice following her graduation, she looked into many avenues. Eventually, she decided to purchase Steckler Eye Care from a retiring doctor in Yankton and rename it Meridian Eye Care. "I love the sense of community here and the small-town feel where people know and support one another," Kneeland said. She recounted a moment at Meridian Eye Care when someone paid for the glasses of a patient who couldn't afford them. "Yankton is the kind of environment where I not only enjoy practicing but also envision raising my family." Kneeland grew up on a farm outside Summit, South Dakota, so she said she appreciates the small population and community feel of Yankton. "People are friendly here, and I get to know my patients and see them around at other activities, which is always fun." She also loves the activities the lake and river provide, as well as the many live music events found around town throughout the week. 

As an optometrist, Kneeland provides both routine and medical eye care for her patients. She loves how no day is ever alike and that she gets to provide care for patients of all ages and all medical needs, from yearly prescription checks to more complex medical diagnoses, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and dry eye syndrome. Kneeland said, "I enjoy the balance of providing routine care while also addressing more advanced medical concerns, as it allows us to care for the whole patient and support their eye health at every stage of life." Kneeland also prides herself on providing a welcoming, family-like atmosphere where she can get to know her patients on a personal level and provide a higher standard of care. "At the end of the day, it's the combination of meaningful relationships, variety in patient care, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives that makes this profession so fulfilling." 

Kneeland owes her success and inspiration to her parents. "Watching the dedication, perseverance and hard work they've poured into their lives, family and farm has been a constant source of inspiration," Kneeland said. "I'm incredibly proud of them and grateful for the foundation they've provided." She mentioned that her parents have always been her best supporters. This foundation has propelled Kneeland to accomplish her dreams and impact her patients. Her most impactful experience in her time as an optometrist was during her fourth-year externship with a Veterans Affairs clinic in Florida. "Caring for veterans not only allowed me to provide eye care but also gave me the privilege of hearing their stories and life experiences. I feel grateful to work in a clinical setting that allows me to build those meaningful connections with patients." 

Kneeland feels that her education in the Benedictine values at Mount Marty, combined with having such inspiring role models, is why her patient care and care philosophy are what they are today. "I feel like the Benedictine values, alongside just how I was raised, help initiate my interactions with patients every day. I think being a medical provider is something that I do not want to take for granted, and I want to ensure that I spend the appropriate amount of time sitting down with patients, going over diagnoses, and explaining them to their understanding, as that helps improve patient outcomes." 

Kneeland said she is excited to expand her eye care services at Meridian Eye Care's new location and further enhance her patients' experiences. "With updated technology, more efficient exam areas and a welcoming design, we'll be able to care for patients in a setting that supports both their comfort and our ability to deliver the best possible eye care. I look forward to offering a space that our patients and community can feel proud of."

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.